This is where Tom is now approximately
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Chase2(G2SV3)
Sent: Fri 3/05/10 5:12 AMTO ALL:
Today, we trailered about another 150 miles north towards Watson Lake in the Yukon Terr. to a point where the snow was more solid and "like snow". The temperature is getting low and cold again. Tonight it is predicted that the therm. will fall to zero as a low. Still not too bad.
The sleds put in at this point and went the remaining 100miles to our motel in Watson's lake (what a primitive dump) riding their snowmobiles in deep powder. Needless to say, many got stuck by sinking in the snow. The technique is that the riders should float on the snow by maintaining a good balance with the ski tips raised above the snow - much like in downhill skiing in new powder.
Still, all were happy to get out and "ride" as they originally planned. I think for the rest of the trip, snow conditions will return to normal.
The forests are thick with fairly large spruces and with game. Today we saw deer, moose and buffalos - yes, wild buffalos along side the highway (some lying down and some with little buffalos). They know enough to stay away from trucks and when we stopped to photograph them, they posed like professionals.
Tonight, after the riders assembled on our trucks and trailers, tempers flared. Two had to be stopped from actually getting into a fight. The stress was related to difficulty in the powder (some kept getting stuck by sinking) and their dependence on the truck to insure that no one was left behind.
The sleds for the most part are in good shape. Riding in snow, obviously, protects wear and tear, whereas, the gravel and concrete tears them up.
Tomorrow, we are going to Whitehorse in the Yukon. That's when I bail out. I was supposed to return on the 10th, but accelerated the date to the 6th. Unfortunately, there are no flights until the 8th so I will have to cool my heels in that little city. I'm sure, I'll find something to do and will stay in contact with Team 3 (group 2), Tomorrow will be the last day that you can track me by my satellite SPOT
device. Remember, I am "Chase 2....".
P.S. I got a chance to ride a sled around several blocks near our hotel. What fun! It is easy to understand why so many are hooked on this sport.
Still, you can bet that I am looking forward to getting back to Nashville.
Take care for now...........Tom
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